Raising ambition, Stronger Governance: leaders together for a gloCal Green Deal was the focus of the CoR Plenary debate, this week, with Virginijus Sinkevičius, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries and the Chair of the ENVI European Parliament committee Mr Pascal Canfin.
European Alliance member Mr Bronius Markauskas (LT), Mayor of Klaipeda District highlighted the potential of the blue economy to drive growth and recovery, Mr Markauskas outlined how "using renewable ocean energy can both reduce our carbon footprint and create jobs and economic growth in the coastal regions of Europe" while "the development of aquaculture has the potential to further boost coastal areas".
He regretted, however, that current financial support for such initiatives is insufficient, stating that "sustainable recovery can only be achieved with adequate investment" and said that maritime regions and the blue economy need investment and should not be the poor relation of land-based investment.
Mr Markauskas also focused on the very important role of Ports, especially in remote regions, in developing and promoting the blue economy, managing the circular economy and implementing green solutions that help achieve the objectives of Green Deal.
In addition to the CoR Plenary the Mayor of Klaipeda presented his recent opinion on Sustainable Blue Economy and Aquaculture at a seminar organised by the CPMR as a part of the European Week of Regions and Cities.
